The Tongan community in the city of Timaru in New Zealand celebrated the official inauguration of the Tongan Society South Canterbury (TSSC) on May 27. The organisation will offer support to Tongans living in South Canterbury, a rural region home to over 55,000 residents.

The number of Tongans living in South Canterbury has not been officially recorded but is reported to be fast growing. TSSC president Sina Latu told the Timaru Herald, "A lot of Tongans come over for rugby and bring their families – some came and left because of the cold weather, but some like it here because Timaru is small enough to raise children”.

The objectives set by TSSC include community integration, support in education and teaching Tongan culture and values.